Fire and Ice

Chapter 12



The weeks following Giselle’s attack on Hilde were long and difficult for all concerned. Even Richard de Gant held his tongue but he and his sister could be seen huddled together in conversation and if anyone approached they stopped talking. Juliana was at her wits end attempting to cope with Giselle’s demands and trying to keep the peace. Hilde herself began to make a slow recovery once Sara moved in and took over her care. Potions were made and as the autumn approached, she and Juliana began collecting fruits from the hedgerows and replenishing stocks of herbs to continue the treatment.

Father Matthew attended frequently, showing his gratitude for the work to replace the church’s spire. His small room on the upper floor above the nave was less damp and he was looking forward to a warmer winter than previous years. Ulfric suffered his suggestions that he should marry Juliana with as much grace as possible, but eventually began to contrive to be away from the Hall if he knew the priest would be calling.

The time arrived when he had to go to Lincoln for a month in accordance with the King’s orders but Thorvald was left behind to oversee the Hall and try to keep Juliana and Giselle from killing each other. The night before Ulfric was due to leave he and Juliana were in their bedchamber discussing his absence.

“I wish you didn’t have to go, Ulfric,” Juliana began, a slight wobble in her voice betraying her dread.

“You know I have to obey the King’s orders and Thorvald will be here. I can’t take you on this occasion as I’ll be with the men. The sooner a permanent garrison is in place the better. I don’t relish the thought of sleeping in cold and draughty quarters any more. I must be getting soft, Juliana. I will miss your charms and comfort,” he laughed, trying to lighten the moment.

“Will Sir Richard be going with you?”

“Yes, at least I won’t have to worry about him and Giselle plotting together. I wonder what they find to talk about huddled in their corners.”

“I’m worried, Ulfric. Do you think they plan to take over the Hall?”

“No, that would be insane. This Hall and all the lands around here are mine by deed of the King. William would not stand for the de Gants trying to take what is mine.”

“If there is need, do I have permission to send Thorvald for you?”

“Of course my love, you are my lady and can send whomever you wish. But let’s not spoil our last night in this way, come and give me some of your fire.”

Juliana wished she felt like his lady but without the blessing of a marriage she still felt cheap and used. She knew beyond doubt that she loved Ulfric and wondered how long she could keep up the pretence that marriage did not matter. As he slept after their love making she wondered about Alice and whether or not the baby had been delivered yet. She pondered on many things during the night, unable to sleep because of her inner turmoil and wondered how long it would be before she became with child and would be sent away somewhere. Perhaps Ulfric would take another woman to his bed when she could no longer please him.



***



Ulfric remembered his last night with Juliana with an ache in his heart and body. She had shown him her love in a way that he had never known she was capable. They had shared such intimacies but when their passion was spent she still cried into her pillow and he was left wondering what on earth he could do.

In response to his thoughts and as a way of pushing away his frustration, he drove his men hard. Their ride to Lincoln took only one day as they were unhampered by carts and women. He missed Thorvald though. His friend and step-brother was never far away from his back and guarded him at all times so riding without him Ulfric felt strange and vulnerable. De Gant rode with his own men and he too was thinking of Juliana, but not in the same way as Ulfric. The Norman’s thoughts were on revenge and how Giselle would help him to accomplish his goal – to rid himself of Ulfric and to take Juliana as his own wife or, if needs must, he would take her by force. Such was his hatred for Ulfric that he was blinded to common sense and saw only that the King had given Bertone to the wrong knight. He remembered his father’s words of censure for not securing land for their family on English soil but Sir Richard was determined to prove himself worthy despite the King’s obvious favouritism.



***



Back at the Hall in Bertone Juliana was sitting at the table eating her breakfast of porridge and boiled eggs when the now familiar tone of Giselle’s complaining reached her ears. Sighing she put down her wooden bowl and rose from the table to find out what the latest offence was.

“Sit down and finish your breakfast, Juliana. I’ll go and see what ails her this time,” Erik said, raising his hand to indicate she should return to her food.

“I’m no longer hungry,” Juliana said, “we’ll go together.”

They climbed the stairs with Kyle at their heels and followed the sound of Giselle’s voice to Hilde’s bed chamber. Juliana raced to the door and pushed it open, “What on earth are you doing in this room, Giselle? You have no right here – I’ve told you to stay away from my mother.”

Hilde’s bruised face had almost healed and the marks on her neck were gone apart from slight reddening, but one look at her terrified face was enough to alarm Juliana. Giselle was looking in trunks and pulling out clothes, holding them against herself to see if they would fit then discarding them on the floor.

“Where’s Sara?” Juliana asked Erik.

“Gone to get herbs for her potions, I think,” he replied, noting the flash of anger burning in Juliana’s eyes.

“I repeat – what are you doing here?” she glared at Giselle and took a step towards her.

“This old hag isn’t going to wear these clothes anymore, is she? So I thought I’d take them – they’re far too good for her,” she stated as a matter of fact.

Juliana stood with her hands on her hips and looked the other woman up and down, “What makes you think you would fit into these clothes, Giselle? You are tall, admittedly, but you are so skinny you could never, ever, look as fine in them as my mother does.”

“I care not for your opinion,” she spat, “Why would a servant need gowns like these? The cloth is fine and I can alter them to fit. Have a servant bring them to my quarters.” She dropped the gowns and deliberately kicked Kyle as she walked out of the door calling back, “Be thankful I haven’t taken yours!”

Juliana rushed to her mother’s bedside and pulled her into her arms in an effort to comfort and reassure her. Since the attack Hilde’s face still drooped on one side and her speech was difficult to understand, but lately had improved slightly. Now, Juliana could see that she had reverted to not being able to speak at all and made grunting noises amidst her sobs.

Erik looked on with compassion remembering how elegant Hilde had once been and always so particular with her appearance. Hatred grew afresh in his heart for this sister of de Gant and he silently vowed he would seek revenge whenever and wherever he could. Taking Kyle who had yelped and cowered away from Giselle after her cruel kick, he returned downstairs, leaving Juliana to look after her mother. He met Sara at the entrance to the Hall who was returning from her forage into the countryside, and quickly turned her about and, surprised, she followed him wondering what had happened.

Once they had reached the woods Erik told Sara what had happened and she immediately wanted to run back to attend Hilde, but Erik stopped her.

“We need to think things through properly, Sara. There must be something we can do to put a stop to this woman’s antics.”

“I could poison her,” Sara said, grinning.

Erik laughed, “No, I don’t think we’d get away with that, but there must be something we can do to make her want to return to Normandy.”

“You could speak with Thorvald – he might do something.”

“Thorvald is busy visiting other nobles at the moment and has no interest in what he would call women’s business, and neither have I for that matter, but Ulfric would be furious if he knew what was going on here.”

“I still think you must speak with Thorvald, he’s in charge of matters whilst Ulfric’s away.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right, but in the meantime, please try and think of something that would force Giselle to return to her homeland, or at least send her away from Bertone.”

“I will try to think of something, but I still think poison would be a good idea. She needs to be put down like the rabid dog she is.”

“Unfortunately, I agree, but de Gant would only make things worse for Juliana. No we must be clever in our dealings with these people and not allow them to get the upper hand whilst Ulfric is away.”

When they re-entered the Hall Giselle was sitting before the fire wearing a fine woollen green dress which had been Hilde’s. Her black hair was thin and stringy, her dark face and whole being seemed to emanate an evil aura and Sara scurried past her as fast as she could, leaving Erik at the door. Kyle was sitting with the other dogs and wagged his tail in greeting but dared not leave his place.

“I see you have helped yourself to a new wardrobe, Giselle,” Erik remarked candidly.

“And why shouldn’t I?” she snapped. “That old hag has no use for them anymore!”

Erik bit his tongue as Thorvald entered and sat opposite Giselle, looking from her to Erik and picking up on the atmosphere between them.

“I’ve been to visit your parents, Erik. They send their warmest greetings and hope that you are well.”

Erik dragged his eyes away from Giselle but Thorvald did not miss the look of hatred which he tried to cover up with his words. “Thank you, Thorvald. I’ve been too busy with matters here to visit them recently, but I will go as soon as Ulfric allows it.”

“Aren’t you the dutiful son?” Giselle smirked, but pricked her finger with her needle causing her to throw her stitching down while she put her finger to her mouth.

“You see – we all get what we deserve in the end,” Erik grinned at her discomfort and Thorvald smiled, unaware of what had gone on before but knowing that Giselle would be at fault no matter what it was.

“Perhaps you should speak with Juliana, Thorvald. I’m sure she has something she wishes to tell you,” Erik said.

Giselle stood up and stamped her feet but her fury was too much for words and she hurried away to her chamber.

The men watched her go so Erik took her seat and brought Thorvald up to date with the latest news from the Hall, after which he excused himself and went away to calm down, leaving Thorvald with the headache of dealing with Giselle.

At that moment Father Matthew entered and Thorvald had an idea and beckoned the priest over.

“Father Matthew, come and warm yourself by the fire. I have matters to discuss with you.”